Rotary Club hosts 45th annual Pancake Day

Kendra Sardinha, Staff Writer

Friday

May 18, 2007 at 12:01 AMMay 18, 2007 at 6:04 PM

TAUNTON — No one left hungry.

The Taunton Rotary Club hosted its annual Pancake Day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Pilgrim Congregational Church on Broadway. As people approached the entrance to the yard, the scent of breakfast filled the air.

No one left hungry.

The Taunton Rotary Club hosted its annual Pancake Day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Pilgrim Congregational Church on Broadway. As people approached the entrance to the yard, the scent of breakfast filled the air.

David St. Ives has been a Rotarian for 17 years and a board member for three.

This Pancake Day is his 17th and being a president nominee, planning and execution for the event fell to him. Publicity, ticket sales, placemat ads and vendor coordination all fell under his umbrella of responsibility.

“It’s nice to see so many people coming by,” St. Ives said. “It’s a chance for all members to come out and spend time with the public because we do so many things behind the scenes.”

Pancake Day has been a tradition for 45 years. Everyone in the Rotary Club volunteers a block of time for the day and duties range from set up, cooking and serving to clearing tables and cleanup. Heaping portions of pancakes, of course, were served along with a helping of sausage, tea, orange juice and coffee.

Throughout the day, hundreds came and went. Some came for breakfast first thing in the morning, while others grabbed a stack for lunch.

The line started outside, where people paid and got their tickets. Everyone was invited to grab a plate with utensils. Then they stepped up to the grill where three cooks flipped pancakes the size of the plate. Carol Souza of Taunton has been with the Rotary for 13 years. She manned one of the three grills along with Joe Mitchell, president and seven-year member.

“You start as a cleaning person and work your way up,” Souza explained.

A stack of three pancakes, accompanied by sausage, was served by Maureen Cody, a 14-year member.

From there, guests went into the reception room to get a beverage, served by Tom Lahar and Jordan Fiord, who have been with the Rotary for more than 20 years each.

Employees from Morton Hospital started their morning at the breakfast, walking there together and settling in at a table for eight. They brought great spirits to match their great food.“We’ve been coming here for years,” Cheryl Kenney said.

“They’ve got the best pancakes in town,” Diane Sprague added.

The event even caught the eyes of people who weren’t planning on stopping by. Lisa Sullivan and Linda Moles, both from Taunton, were out driving between appointments when they saw a banner touting the pancakes on Route 138.

“It didn’t say where, but I used to come here when I was little so I knew where it was,” Sullivan said. “It’s great. It gets people out.”

Little Lima, 66, a well-known resident of Taunton — where he was born and raised — provided the day’s entertainment. He played tunes ranging from the 1920s to the ’80s on his piano. “This is my fourth year,” Lima said. “I play all types of pop music. I like it when the tables are full. Of course, the weather plays a big part too.”

Diners were also dazzled by the musical stylings of the Taunton High School Band, which performs at the breakfast annually.

The band was lead by Director Bill Bochman. Among the band members on hand were Aron Larocque, Ryan Stipetic, Patrick Roy, John Benjamin, Matthew Smith, Matt Camara, Greg Andrews, Alana Aubin and Sarah Gregg.

Peter Botelho, a graduate of the class of 1990 who used to play in the band, was at the breakfast enjoying lunch and reminiscing about his high school days.

“I played for three years,” Botelho said. “It seems like just yesterday I was over there, eating at that table.”

Cliff Bodge, of Mattapoisett, was a member of the wait staff. He’s been a Rotarian since 1984. “It gives us an opportunity to have everyone participate,” Bodge said. “I don’t mind giving a few hours of my time.”

Phil Robertson said the breakfast was a team effort.

“Every Rotarian is assigned a time slot,” the 35-year member explained. “Everyone must participate in this.”

Charging $5 for adults and $3 for seniors and children, the Rotary Club hoped to raise $6,000 this year. The funds raised will be disbursed to local nonprofit and fraternal groups.

“It’s a lot of fun,” Mitchell said. “You have fellowship with people and it gives you a chance to roll up your sleeves and do work. Everyone’s in a good mood, how can you not be — it’s pancakes.”

ksardinha@tauntongazette.com

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